Manual adhesive tape applicator

ABSTRACT

A manual adhesive tape applicator comprises a frame carrying a pressure application roll at one end of its longitudinal axis, a handle at the other end and a tape supply roll between its ends. The handle projects upwardly from the frame, away from the pressure application roll and, in operation, away from the surface to which the tape is to be applied. The handle is substantially perpendicular at least at its base portion, to the longitudinal axis of the frame. Above its base portion, the handle may be curved over the frame so that the longitudinal axis of the upper portion of the handle is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame.

United States Patent [1 1 Knoner 1 Jan. 9,1973

[75] Inventor: Joachim H. Knoner, Bensberg, Ger- [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Feb. 20, 1970 Germany ..G 70 06 168.6

[52] I U.S. Cl. ..156/527, 156/577, 156/579, 156/582 [51] Int. Cl ..B32b 31/18, B32b 31/20 [58] Field of Search ..156/574, 577, 579, 582, 523, 156/527 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,393,114 7/1968 .lorgensen... ..l56/577X 3,582,438 6/1971 Harbour ..156/574X 3,600,255 8/1971 Hinds ..156/577 X 3,645,831 2/1972 Thaeler ..156/523 X 3,658,628 4/1972 Zenter ..156/523 X Primary ExaminerHarold Ansher Attorney-Meyer, Tilberry and Body 5 7 ABSTRACT A manual adhesive tape applicator comprises a frame carrying a pressure application roll at one end of its longitudinal axis, a handle at the other end and a tape supply roll between its ends. The handle projects upwardly from the frame, away from the pressure application roll and, in operation, away from the surface to which the tape is to be applied. The handle is substantially perpendicular at least at its base portion, to the longitudinal axis of the frame. Above its base portion, the handle may be curved over the frame so that the longitudinal axis of the upper portion of the handle is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame.

12 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAN 9 1975' FIG. 2

INVENTOR JOACHIM H. K-NONER MANUAL ADHESIVE TAPE APPLICATOR This invention pertains to hand held, that is, manual tape applicators which generally comprise a frame carrying a supply roll of tape, an application roll which applies the tape to the surface to be taped by pressure imposed by the hand and arm of the operator, and a handle by which the operator holds the applicator.

The supply roll is generally placed on the upper side of the frame, that is, on the side away from the surface to be taped. The lower or base side of the frame which traverses the surface to be taped is usually substantially flat and carries a pressure-actuated application roll which is fed by the supply roll. A handle by which the operator holds the apparatus is usually affixed to the frame at the end opposite that which carries the pressure application roll.

Applicators of this type are known the art and have handles which are affixed to the frame either substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame (that is, to the side of the frame which in operation, is substantially parallel to the surface to which the tape is applied), or affixed so that it is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the frame and extends away from the lower or base side of the frame downwardly towards the surface to which the tape is to be applied, i.e., in the same direction as does the pressure application roll. This prior art positioning of the handle requires that the apparatus, upon being manipulated to unwind and stick the adhesive-coated tape onto the surface to which it is to be applied, be manipulated in the manner of a hammer with the pressure application roll corresponding to the hammer head and the handle of the applicator corresponding to the handle of the hammer.

This configuration of the prior art apparatus is disadvantageous in that the operators wrist must be bent to grip the apparatus and to apply the necessary pressure while drawing the applicator over the surface to be taped. Under these conditions, the operators wrist is subject to considerable strain which leads to rapid fatigue since a fair amount of pressure must be applied through the bent wrist over the entire application stroke.

The present invention contemplates a manual tape apparatus which may be operated without strain and fatigue to the operator due to having to maintain his wrist in a bent position and to apply pressure to the apparatus solely through the wrist, and which permits the operator to maintain the wrist and forearm in a straight, natural position and to apply pressure to the apparatus in an efficient and non-fatiguing manner.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a manual tape applicator comprising a frame carrying a pressure tape application device adapted to glide smoothly over the surface to be taped (usually by containing or being in the form of a roller), a supply tape roll, and a handle, at least the base portion of which is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame and upwardly away from the base or lower side of the frame.

By positioning at least the base portion of the handle substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the applicator and upwardly extending from the lower or base side of the frame, the operator may grip the applicator in such a manner that the longitudinal axis of the frame is substantially parallel to, and in effect comprises an extension of, the operator's forearm. The longitudinal axis of the frame may be considered to be the axis of the frame extending substantially parallel to the dimension of the base or lower side of the frame. The base portion of the handle may thus be at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the applicator frame of between about to about 45., this variation from a perpendicular position being permitted and even convenient in considering the fact that the base of the operators thumb and the curve of the closed palm may comfortably grip an object disposed at an angle up to about 45 from the longitudinal axis of the operators forearm while the wrist and forearm remain in a substantially straight, natural relationship. Accordingly, as used in the specification and claims the term substantially perpendicular or substantially perpendicularly shall mean and include a relationship from perpendicular to one disposed at an angle of about 45 from the perpendicular.

A handle extending substantially perpendicularly from the longitudinal axis of the frame is useful in applying the tape applicator to any surface or package to be taped.

In some cases however, the operator may be applying tape to a surface or to a package in an application in which considerable pressure must be applied. in such a case, it may be desirable to have the handle above its base portion curved into a position in which the major dimension of the curved upper portion of the handle is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the applicator frame. In this manner, the operator may grip the applicator in the same fashion as one would grip a hand-held iron used to iron clothes and the like.

Therefore, in accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the handle may curve above the substantially perpendicular base portion into a portion substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame. This design makes it possible to apply the application pressure from directly above the tape and is particularly advantageous in the case of applying the tape where a large amount of pressure has to be applied, such as in the case of applying pressure-sensitive adhesive-coated tapes. in such cases, the operator can conveniently bring increased pressure to bear on the applicator without undue strain by utilizing the upper portion of the bent handle to grip the applicator as one would grip a hand-held iron.

It is an object of the invention to obviate the disadvantages, primarily user fatigue and inefficient mode of application, inherent in prior art apparatus and to provide a tape applicator which may be held and operated with the operator maintaining wrist and forearm in a natural and efficient pressure-imposing position.

it is advantageous to provide a supporting roller at or near the end of the longitudinal axis of the frame remote from the end supporting the pressure application device. By providing a supporting roller the tape applicator may then be guided over the surface to which the tape is to be applied in the manner of a miniature wheeled vehicle so that the apparatus may be guided along the surface smoothly and easily and without danger that the package or surface being taped will be torn or scuffed by the back portion of the applicator frame. Therefore, in accordance with yet another limited aspect of the invention, there is provided a manual tape applicator which has a supporting or guide roller in addition to the tape pressure applicator-application device, to ensure smooth and easy passage of the applicator over the surface to which the tape is being applied.

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which are described in detail in this specifica tion and illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 2 shows a similar perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.

Referring now the drawings in which similar or analogous parts carry identical designating numerals, reference numeral designates generally the applicator frame, the lower or base side 1 1 of which faces the surface onto which the tape is to be applied and which is generally coextensive with the longitudinal axis of the frame. Tape supply roll 13 is rotatably mounted on frame 10 at point 12 so that in operation the tape is unraveled from roll 13.

At or near one end 14 of frame 10, pressure application roll 15 is rotatably mounted so that it projects below the base side 11 of frame 10. A tape severing blade 16 is mounted to frame 10 above pressure application roll 15.

Secured to the end 17 of frame 10 remote from the end 14 is a handle 18 the base portion of which (the portion attached to the frame) is seen to be substantially perpendicular to the base side 11 and to the longitudinal axis of frame 10. It is further seen that the handle is preferably bent forward somewhat so that the axis of the base portion of handle 18 may be said to comprise an angle somewhat less than 90 with the longitudinal axis of frame 10. This forwardly bent or slightly curving configuration is adapted to conform to the natural curvature of the operators hand and a disposition of handle 18 at an angle between the perpendicular and about 45 from the perpendicular to the base side 11 of longitudinal axis of frame 10 is intended, as hereinabove stated, to be included in the definition of a handle or base portion thereof being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of frame.

In any event, the base or lower portion of handle 18 is seen to extend from frame 10 substantially perpendicularly thereto and to curve at a greater rate at the higher portions of the handle.

A supporting or guide roller 19 is seen to be rotatably mounted near the end 17 of frame 10. Supporting or guide roller 19 is seen to be positioned, and ofa size so that it cooperates with pressure application roll 15 in permitting the applicator to be rolled smoothly across the surface to which tape is being applied.

Referring now to FIG. 2, handle 18 is seen to be designed as a bowed member substantially spanning frame 10 above supply roll 13 with a base portion substantially perpendicular to base side 1 l and the longitudinal axis of frame 10, but with an upper portion 21 substantially parallel to base side 11. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is also seen not to possess the supplemental guide roller 19 or an equivalent thereto, but other than these two differences it is substantially identical although differing somewhat in design details from the applicator shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The lack of a supplemental guide roller 19in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is seen to require that the operator exercise some care in not damaging or scuffing the surface to which tape is being applied with the end portion 17 of frame 10.

A knurled metal roll 20 is shown in the embodiments of both FIGS. 1 and 2, which type of knurled roll is known in the art and is particularly advantageous for use in connection with self adhesive tapes, the knurled roller 20 pressing resiliently against pressure application roll 15 with the tacky or adhesive side of the tape passing over knurled roller 20.

It is seen that the embodiment of FIG. 2 is adapted to be gripped by the operator either at or near base portion 18 or preferably at upper portion 21 wherein the applicator may be operated in a manner similar to that in which a hand-held iron is held, with the advantage that considerable pressure can be applied by the operator while yet maintaining wrist and forearm in a natural, relaxed position.

In use, the embodiments of both FIGS. 1 and 2 are drawn in the direction of the arrow 22 over the surface to be taped, the hand of the user preferably being positioned about the handle when gripped at 18 so that the thumb points upwardly. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the handle may also be grasped, as aforesaid, at the handle upper portion 21 with the thumb pointing along handle upper portion 21 generally in the direction of arrow 22.

The invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated. It will be apparent that obvious modifications and alterations may be made thereto on a reading and understanding of the foregoing specification, which modifications and alterations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and it is intended to include all such modifications and alterations within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereto.

What is claimed is:

l. A hand-held manual tape applicator comprising a frame with an upper side and an opposite, base side, a pressure-application device mounted on said frame with a portion of said device extending beyond the base side of said frame, a supply tape roll mounted on said frame, and a handle mounted on said frame, said handle extending from the upper side of said frame and at least the base portion of said handle being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame.

2. The applicator of claim 1 further including a supporting roller mounted on said frame.

3. The applicator of claim 1 wherein at least said base portion of said handle is disposed at an angle of between about 45 and about to the longitudinal axis of said frame.

4. The applicator of claim 3 wherein said angle is about 90.

5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the base portion at least of said handle is disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame, and wherein said handle includes an upper portion which is bent over said frame so that the longitudinal axis of said upper portion is substantially parallel ,to the longitudinal axis of said frame.

6. The applicator of claim 5 further including a supporting roller mounted on said frame.

7. The applicator of claim 6 wherein said pressure application device is in the form of a roller, and said supporting roller and said device are rotatably mounted on said frame whereby said applicator may be rolled across a surface.

8. The applicator of claim 2 wherein said pressure application device is in the form of a roller and said supporting roller and said device are rotatably mounted on said frame whereby said applicator may be rolled across a surface.

9. In a hand-held manual adhesive tape applicator comprising a longitudinally extended frame having a base side adapted to be passed over a surface to be taped, and an opposite, upper side, the improvement comprising affixing a handle to said frame, at least the base of which handle is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame and extends therefrom from the upper side of said frame.

10. The applicator of claim 9 wherein said handle has an upper portion affixed to said base portion which upper portion is bent from said base portion so that the longitudinal axis of said upper portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said frame.

11. The applicator of claim 10 further including a supplemental guide wheel affixed to said frame.

12. The applicator of claim 11 wherein said tape applying mechanism comprises a pressure application wheel rotatably mounted to said frame and said supplemental guide wheel is rotatably mounted to said frame whereby said apparatus may be rolled over a surface. 

1. A hand-held manual tape applicator comprising a frame with an upper side and an opposite, base side, a pressure-application device mounted on said frame with a portion of said device extending beyond the base side of said frame, a supply tape roll mounted on said frame, and a handle mounted on said frame, said handle extending from the upper side of said frame and at least the base portion of said handle being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame.
 2. The applicator of claim 1 further including a supporting roller mounted on said frame.
 3. The applicator of claim 1 wherein at least said base portion of said handle is disposed at an angle of between about 45* and about 90* to the longitudinal axis of said frame.
 4. The applicator of claim 3 wherein said angle is about 90*.
 5. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the base portion at least of said handle is disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame, and wherein said handle includes an upper portion which is bent over said frame so that the longitudinal axis of said upper portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said frame.
 6. The applicator of claim 5 further including a supporting roller mounted on said frame.
 7. The applicator of claim 6 wherein said pressure application device is in the form of a roller, and said supporting roller and said device are rotatably mounted on said frame whereby said applicator may be rolled across a surface.
 8. The applicator of claim 2 wherein said pressure application device is in the form of a roller and said supporting roller and said device are rotatably mounted on said frame whereby said applicator may be rolled across a surface.
 9. In a hand-held manual adhesive tape applicator comprising a longitudinally extended frame having a base side adapted to be passed over a surface to be taped, and an opposite, upper side, the improvement comprising affixing a handle to said frame, at least the base of which handle is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame and extends therefrom from the upper side of said frame.
 10. The applicator of claim 9 wherein said handle has an upper portion affixed to said base portion which upper portion is bent from said base portion so that the longitudinal axis of said upper portion is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said frame.
 11. The applicator of claim 10 further including a supplemental guide wheel affixed to said frame.
 12. The applicator of claim 11 wherein said tape applying mechanism comprises a pressure application wheel rotatably mounted to said frame and said supplemental guide wheel is rotatably mounted to said frame whereby said apparatus may be rolled over a surface. 